Media Release: Addressing the complex challenges faced by children with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
For immediate release 12 September 2023
International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)Awareness Day is commemorated annually on 9 September to create awareness among women and communities on the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. This day also aims to shed light on the challenges and difficulties for both the mom and the child diagnosed with FASD. The theme this year was ‘beyond all limits’. We want to encourage individuals and the community at large to go ‘beyond all limits’ in supporting, caring for and loving those affected.
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy results in a number of neurological, physical and mental conditions. ‘A child with foetal alcohol syndrome often presents with coordination difficulties, hyperactivity, poor judgement, poor impulse control, delayed gross motor development, sensory hypersensitivity and low frustration toleration,’ said Michelle Jenkins (occupational therapist, George Hospital).
Staff Nurse, Dornay Ceasar said that these children are usually seen for assessment and then referred to the patient’s nearest clinic for further follow-up. The Inclusive Education Team may become involved to assist with school placement if indicated. Encounters with children who have been diagnosed with FASD can be extremely challenging as they tend to display extreme emotions of playfulness and happiness or extreme emotions of irritation and anger. Anne-Marie Syfers (nurse, George Hospital) said that when caring for children diagnosed with FASD and other underlying conditions associated with FASD, it is important that you are patient and interact with them on their level.
At George Hospital, through therapy both occupational and physiotherapy aims to improve fine and gross motor control through activities such as playing, building, climbing etc, and addresses the sensory sensitivity depending on the main areas of concerns that the parents of children with FASD and schools are reporting.
‘It is essential that the parents form part of the therapeutic team as these children are dependent on good carry over of exercises addressed in an OT or PT session into the home environment. Therapy unfortunately cannot “cure”; instead it helps address challenges faced and can assist the family in developing coping strategies,’ Michelle added.
It can be difficult for moms to admit that they have consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Sr Syfers and Staff Nurse Ceasar provide these moms with emotional support and refer them to the social worker or occupational therapists at George Hospital where the mom and child can undergo treatment and develop coping strategies.
Remember: No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. FASD causes permanent damage, but it is 100% preventable.
Photo caption: From left, Sr Anne-Marie Syfers and SN Dornay Ceasar in the Paediatric Ward. They go above and beyond to care for their little patients.
Media Release: Sod-Turning event marks a milestone for Regional Waste Management Facility
For Immediate Release 04 September 2023
In a significant step towards more sustainable waste management practices, the official sod-turning ceremony for the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Regional Waste Management Facility was held on Friday, 1 September 2023. The journey to this milestone began back in 2006 when investigations and processes for establishing the Regional Landfill Site commenced.
Sharing in this historic and groundbreaking occasion, were Executive Mayors and Municipal Managers and across the district, the GRDM Mayoral Committee Members and officials, representatives from National and Provincial Government, as well as engineering consultants and stakeholders from Standard Bank, Tefla and Zutari.
During his address, Municipal Manager of GRDM, Monde Stratu, gave a thorough background about the project. He explained: “Local municipalities have reached a point where their waste management sites have become exhausted, which is why this regional waste management facility is being constructed”. Further to this he said: “It was a blessing in disguise that the initial model did not realise as it saved GRDM millions of rands.
Ald. Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor for GRDM proudly turns the first sod.
GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, turning the sod after a few years of anticipating this exciting day.
Stratu particularly commended the GRDM officials who have been driving the project to this point. “The resilience and commitment of all involved are paying off. And today, it is time to celebrate – despite what happened, we are still delivering on our promises,” Stratu emphasised.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Aldrman Memory Booysen with key political figures of the participating municipalities.
Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen with all politicians present at the Sod-Turning Ceremony.
In his remarks at the event, the Head of Public Sector- SA at Standard Bank, Timothy Mtlatla, spoke passionately about Standard Bank’s support to GRDM’s commitment towards green energy. He said: “Our institution remains focused on its purpose; our commitment is a profound purpose and is underscored by the meaningful impact to the community. We are serving the sector that serves us”. Adding to these words, Mtlatla highlighted that the event is a remarkable example and testament of good working relations. And for this reason, he said: “With this initiative, we foresee a future that is cleaner and healthier for all communities we serve”. Representatives from Tefla and Zutari also delivered their messages of commitment to the project.
Executive Mayors and Deputy Mayors from the local municipalities that were present, also shared words of support on behalf of their respective municipalities. Deputy Mayor of Mossel Bay, Cllr Cliffie Bayman, referred to this day as a significant step that is taken towards more sustainable waste management and environmental practices in a changing world of climatic changes and the now more common outbreaks of communicable diseases. With these words, he added that this event deserved to be on the 1 September, as it is the 1st day of Spring. He highlighted that “this is a season for new beginnings and the reason in which our environment shows the fruit of hard work – work that we have put in during the winter months”. Bayman in addition reiterated that Mossel Bay Municipality will take accountability with the GRDM to ensure that the objective of the facility is reached. In conclusion he said that Mossel Bay is a proud partner in full support of the project and therefore they are eager to see many benefits such as employment deriving from the facility.
Knysna Executive Mayor, Cllr Aubrey Tswenga, in his congratulatory speech to GRDM and participating municipalities, said: “Thank you for making the Regional Waste Management Facility a reality”. Tswenga, however, mentioned that more work still lies ahead to educate communities about waste management. “As municipalities,” he said that “we need to educate our communities to reduce waste to landfills. Further to this he urged the GRDM on behalf of Knysna, to continue to roll-out a regional educational programme to extend the lifespan of the facility.
Bitou’s Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Mavis Basukwe, during her words of support, said: “Bitou took a decision to participate in the project fully understanding the implications and consequences we would face from our communities and ratepayers”. As a result of showing leadership and the fact that Bitou fitted the cost implication in their budget over the years, she emphasised that “it is indeed pleasing to see the site is now finally under construction”. She thanked all participating municipalities and said that without them, the project would not have been feasible for Bitou alone and would have left Bitou in a serious predicament.
Executive Mayor of GRDM, in his keynote address extended warm words of gratitude to the service provider and consulting engineer, Tefla and Zutari, as well as to Standard Bank and participating municipalities for this legacy project. In unpacking his statement, Mayor Booysen added: “After today it won’t only be a legacy project anymore, but also a catalytic project, meaning that this project is a catalyst of what is coming”.
Mayor Booysen further referred to the realities of working together as stakeholders and said: “It is not easy for different municipalities to work today, as there are many aspects that can hamper initiatives such as this project. However, he commended Mossel Bay Municipality, especially Municipal Manager Collin Puren, for setting the tone on how government can work together and how intergovernmental relations should be executed. To the Deputy Executive Mayor of Mossel Bay, Cllr Bayman he said: “You went as far as advising us,” to safeguard a less complicated process. Given the background of the project, Mayor Booysen urged councillors, professionals, and ward councillors to be decisive when decisions are made. “When we are decisive,” he said: “The ratepayers would back us up, because they would then understand what they are paying for and not making their own assumptions”. He elaborated that whenever a proposal is on the table, councillors would ask “how the project is going to affect the rates and taxes”. He advised: “It is our duty as politicians to go and explain to the taxpayers and ratepayers why we are doing what we do and why are we making the decisions in terms of what it will cost them”.
An Inaugural Site Meeting and Commencement of Works took place on the 13th of June 2023, which saw the official handover of the site to the appointed contractor, Tefla Group (Pty) Ltd. Over the following weeks, the site was established, benchmarks were verified by a surveyor on July 11, and the refurbishment of an existing farmhouse, set to become the site offices, is nearing completion. Clear and grub operations, excavations and material stockpiling is underway on the access roads and on Cell 1A.
The Regional Waste Management Facility, once complete, will include a domestic waste cell (Class B) and a separate hazardous waste cell (Class A) to accommodate low and medium-hazard-rated hazardous waste. Other infrastructure elements encompass roads, stormwater pipelines, leachate storage dams, contaminated stormwater dams, offices, laboratories, weighbridges, workshops, and security infrastructure. The project also includes a 3-hectare portion that will be used for a waste tyre recycling facility. Both the Domestic Waste Cell 1 and the Hazardous Waste Cell will have a lifespan of approximately of 20 – 25 years.
The project’s timeline are as follows:
Construction Tender Closure (concluded) – October 25, 2022
Finalization of Debt Agreement (concluded) – July 2023
Contractor on Site (concluded) – July 2023
Operations & Maintenance Tender Award – October / November 2023
Completion of Phase 1 – February 2024
Estimated Completion of Project – March 2025
The sod-turning event heralds the beginning of a cleaner and healthier future for the Garden Route region.
Feature Image: Sharing in this historic and groundbreaking occasion, were Executive Mayors and Municipal Managers and across the district, the GRDM Mayoral Committee Members and officials, representatives from National and Provincial Government, as well as engineering consultants and stakeholders from Standard Bank, Tefla and Zutari.
GRDM Employees ecstatic after the sod was turned. With them is Mossel Bay Municipal Manager, Colin Puren.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen with his Chief of Staff, Siphiwe Dladla (left), GRDM Strategic Manager, Thembani Loliwe (Second from left) and GRDM Project Manager, Passmore Dongi (right).
GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen shows his ‘thumbs up’ with machinery in the backdrop at the Regional Waste Management Facility.
A walk-about was done shortly after the sod-turning.
One of the machines on-site at the Regional Waste Management Facility.
GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, next to Ald. Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor.
GRDM Fire Chief, Deon Stoffels and Chief Financial Officer, Rian Boshoff, were also present.
Councillors present during the proceedings.
GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu.
In the foreground, GRDM Speaker, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans.
Johan Gie, GRDM Waste Management Manager was the programme director of the day.
A Message Of Support was shared by Bitou Municipality Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Mavis Busakwe.
A Message Of Support was delivered by Cllr Cliffie Bayman, Deputy Executive Mayor from Mossel Bay Municipality.
A Message Of Support was delivered by Knysna Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Cllr Aubrey Tsengwa.
Ald. Memory Booysen delivers his Commitment to Service Delivery address.
GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor, Ald. Gert van Niekerk delivered the Vote of Thanks and Closing Remarks.
PUBLIC NOTICE: IDP/BUDGET/ PMS TIME SCHEDULE & 2022/2023 DRAFT UNAUDITED ANNUAL REPORT – Notice 66/2023
Open for Comments
Notice is hereby given that the 2024/2025 IDP Budget & PMS Time Schedule has been adopted in terms of Section 21 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (Act 56 of 2003) by the Garden Route District Municipal Council, at a Council meeting held on 30 August 2023.
Furthermore, the 2022/2023 Draft Unaudited Annual Report has been noted by Council in terms of Circular 63 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, Act 56 of 2003. The Unaudited Draft Annual Report for the 2022/2023 financial year is open for comments. Comments must be lodged in writing to The Municipal Manager, PO Box 12, George, 6530 or by e-mail at rekords@gardenroute.gov.za before /or on 2 October 2023.
The document will be available for public inspection during office hours at the IDP unit, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George as well as at all the satellite offices of the Garden Route District Municipality: Riversdale, Mosselbay, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Bitou as well as the municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za.
Persons who are unable to read or write are encouraged to contact the Garden Route District Municipality during ordinary office hours, where they will be assisted to formulate their written comments or objection. For any further enquiries, please contact: Ms M James (IDP Unit: Garden Route District Municipality) at telephone number: 044 803 1431.
M G Stratu
Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality
Media Release: Tourism Month festivities celebrated in September
For immediate release 30 September 2023
Tourism Month is celebrated annually in September to highlight South Africa’s diverse tourism offerings as well as the sector’s significant contribution to the local economy and job creation. Inspired by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Tourism Month provides a platform for the South African sector to celebrate, reflect and commemorate its milestones in relation to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Tourism Month festivities are held throughout the country, culminating with the World Tourism Day celebrations which will be hosted on 27 September 2023.
During the month, the following local events and initiatives will be happening in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo:
A social media competition encouraging participants to share their #NaturallyKnysnaMoments. Through this competition, participants will have the opportunity to capture and share compelling images that highlight eco-tourism activities, responsible tourism and the harmonious relationship between travellers and the environment. The competition will run from 01 – 20 September 2023 with the winner to be announced on World Tourism Day.
On World Tourism Day (27 September) Visit Knysna will host a “Conserve for Our Future Day” to raise awareness about the environment from 10:00 – 12:00. Speakers from SANParks Honorary Rangers, SANParks, Knysna Municipality’s Environmental Department and Knysna Basic Project will form part of this event. Amongst the guests will be learners from high schools in the area.
CALITZDORP
Zamani Grill will be doing a Guinness World Record attempt from 21 – 24 September 2023 for the Longest Braai in the World. It will end on Heritage Day (National Braai Day). All the braai items during the 4 days will be sponsored to the community and people serving the community.
The global theme for 2023 as set by the UNWTO, “Tourism and Green Investments”, Calitzdorp Tourism will be hosting their annual Vetplantfees in September where plant experts will be presenting workshops on: a) how to do plant propagation; and b) container gardening. Keynote speakers will also teach and address issues regarding preservation of the environment.
GEORGE
George municipality has a ‘Focus On’ segment in the George Herald which they are using to highlight tourism experiences according to the WC theme ‘Tourism for Good’. George Tourism will also be putting similar content in the municipal newsletter to ratepayers.
George as a destination is also being featured in the September print edition of Rove SA.
LADISMITH
13 Sept: Workshop – Developing and marketing the Klein Karoo as an Avitourism destination.
23 Sept: Streetfood Market
29 -30 Sept: 7 Weekspoort MTB and Trail Run Challenge.
29 Sept – 1 Oct: Klein Karoo Motorbike Rally
MOSSEL BAY
08 Sept – 15 Oct: Sport & Recreation Festival in Mossel Bay
09 Sept: The Moss March (beach walk event arranged by the Municipality with assistance of Hartenbos Seefront)
15 Sept: Touchies Rugby Tournament in Mossel Bay
22 Sept: Big Boxing event
21-23 Sept: Muse Festival in Great Brak
29 Sept – 01 Oct: Kyknet Buite -Ekspo in Hartenbos
PLETT TOURISM
As a build up and launch to Tourism Month, the Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities of the Western Cape, Minister Mireille Wegner, celebrated the announcement by the World Cetaceann Alliance (WCA) of Plettenberg Bay being awarded the Whale Heritage Site Status as one of three current Whale Heritage sites in South Africa. The Minister enjoyed a boat launch and up close experiences with these gentle giants on 28 August 2023 in Plettenberg Bay.
20 – 23 Sept: Dr Evil Classic 3 Day Stage Race
26 Sept: Bitou Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) stage production of Fawlty Towers
29 Sept – 08 Oct: Plett Arts Festival
30 Sept– 01 Oct: Plett Spring Celebration
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES: CLOTHING MANUFACTURING PROCESSES NQF LEVEL 1
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in partnership with the Haggai 2v8 Company, are offering an opportunity to 30 unemployed youth (18-35) who wishes to participate in the Skills programme for a period of 6-months.
Minimum requirements include Communication and Numeracy at ABET level 3.
The required documentation to be attached include a CV, certified copy of highest qualification, certified copy of ID, proof of residence and bank statement that are less than 3 months old.
Failure to attach the required documents, will result in the application not being considered.
No faxed application or an application sent to other e- mail addresses other than the email address provided in this advert, will be considered.
KINDLY NOTE THAT DISABLED PERSONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
Application process:
Applications must reach Garden Route District Municipality on/or before 13h30 on Friday, 01 September 2023. Please ensure that all required documentation is attached.
If you have not heard from us by 30 September 2023, please consider your application unsuccessful.
The Garden Route District Municipality reserves the right not to make or confirm an appointment.
PUBLIC NOTICE: ROLL-OVER ADJUSTMENT BUDGET 2023/2024
Open for Public Comment
Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Roll-Over Adjustment Budget for the period 2023/2024-2025/2026, was compiled in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act 2003 (Act 56 of 2003).
This document was approved by the Garden Route District Municipality at a District Council meeting held on Friday, 25 August 2023.
This document is available for public inspection and comments on the GRDM municipal website at www.gardenroute.gov.za.
Members of the public are invited to submit written comments or representations to the municipality in respect of this document.
All comments and inputs must be directed to: “The Municipal Manager Garden Route District Municipality 54 York Street George, 6530”.
Please contact the Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300 with any enquiries.
M G Stratu
Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality
Notice number: 116/2023
